How a decade of leadership coaching transformed and shaped my career

Welcome back to the Excellence in Nursing blog. Today’s post is going to be different than my previous blog posts. Over the years, several people have asked me about my career and what influenced and shaped my professional decisions. So, instead of the regular blog post full of facts and figures, I thought I'd share a personal testimony of how the power of coaching impacted my professional career.

My 10-Year Coaching Experience: A Decade of Growth

Effective coaching possesses a unique transformative power that few tools can rival. My journey over the past decade stands as a testament to this. A little over 10 years ago, I began working with a professional leadership coach. Little did I know the profound impact this decision would have on my career and personal life. This marked the beginning of a remarkable journey of growth and development.

Discovering the Catalyst: The Beginning of My Coaching Journey

I initially sought a professional coach because I was a clinical nurse transitioning into a formal leadership role. At that time, I understood that this new role required new knowledge and skills, especially in the technical arena. While valuable, my expertise as a clinical nurse wouldn't be enough. I needed guidance to build new skills to navigate this transition.

My decision to invest in professional coaching was rooted in my belief that “leadership” is fundamentally an act of service. I've always sought opportunities to contribute in the highest and best way possible. I recognized that to be an effective leader, I needed to develop and expand my skill set (and commit to growing continuously).

The Coaching Experience: A Personal Transformation Journey

My coaching journey began with monthly sessions that continued for almost a decade – and to this day, I still regularly meet with my coach. We started with strength assessments, diving deep into my unique talents and strengths. These assessments helped me understand how to leverage and play to my strengths while exploring areas or gaps where I wanted to build knowledge and skills to become more effective. We worked on goal setting, strategic thinking, and, most importantly, refining how I approached challenges and opportunities.  

Elevating Thoughts and Strategies

As the coaching progressed, we tackled specific issues and challenges. Each session was a platform for brainstorming, strategizing, and recalibration. Discussing ideas with my coach and receiving insightful feedback was invaluable. It allowed me to see perspectives I might have missed and develop innovative and pragmatic strategies.

Goal Setting, Accountability, and Progress

One of the most powerful aspects of coaching was the active goal-setting and the accountability that followed. I was encouraged to set both professional and personal goals. Whether achieving my master's and doctorate degrees or maintaining work-life balance, goal setting and planning became integral to my journey.

Monthly sessions meant consistently setting, reviewing, and progressing toward my goals. This regular cadence of accountability ensured I was always moving forward, aligning my actions with my aspirations. Each month, I returned to the table to discuss my progress, and this accountability was crucial in not only meeting but often exceeding my expectations.

Navigating Transitions: From Nursing Leadership to Entrepreneurship

Transitioning through various roles in my nursing career presented unique challenges. During the last decade, I moved into several new leadership positions, progressively taking on more accountability, responsibility, and influence. My coach helped me navigate and manage these transitions with grace, clarity, and confidence. 

Coaching helped me determine how to wrap up (or end) current positions with strength and “on a high note.” My coach partnered with me for each new role to develop clear goals and strategies for success. I approached each new responsibility with focus and a clear vision. The support and guidance of my coach ensured that I not only thrived in my evolving leadership roles but also remained adaptable in the face of change. These transitions ultimately led me to venture into entrepreneurship, a journey that coaching continues to support. 

Pushing Boundaries and Confronting Limiting Beliefs

My coach consistently encouraged me to push beyond my comfort zone. This resulted in significant personal growth and a shift in my approach to challenges. I learned the value of confronting limiting beliefs and embracing new opportunities, principles that now guide both my professional and personal life.

Unbiased Support in Times of Challenge

In addition to personal growth, coaching provided a safe space for expressing fears and doubts without judgment. This unbiased support was incredibly beneficial, especially during times of high pressure or uncertainty. My coach's perspective often shed light on aspects of situations I hadn't considered, enabling me to navigate challenges more effectively.

Team Transformation: Impact Beyond Myself

Coaching didn't just transform me; it had a ripple effect on our team and organization. One example of this was a team I helped manage that achieved significant milestones, including a substantial increase in certifications among our nurses. More impressively, many bedside nurses, inspired and motivated, pursued further education, earning their master's and doctorate degrees. Our unit transformed, not just academically but also in terms of engagement and morale. We successfully enhanced engagement on our medical-surgical unit and significantly reduced staff turnover, which is often challenging in high-pressure environments. 

In closing, coaching was not just about professional development but a profound journey of self-discovery and empowerment. It's a journey that has shaped me as a leader and an individual, and I believe it can do the same for you and your team. 

Discover the Power of Coaching

I invite nurse leaders and Magnet Program Directors to take the next step in your journey. Reach out to me for a complimentary strategy session, where we can explore how coaching can empower you and your team to achieve remarkable results. Together, we'll tailor coaching packages to fit your unique needs, ensuring tangible, real-world outcomes that add significant value to your professional and organizational goals.

Don't miss the opportunity to unlock your full potential and lead with confidence. Embrace coaching as an essential tool for growth and success.

Let's embark on this transformative journey together. Contact me today.

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